Inexpensive nest box ideas!

[ams3651]

My chickens nest in an old kitchen drawer. I did have 2 plastic dish pans in the drawer but they always wanted to go in the same one and the last time someone broke an egg in one I took them out to clean and they just started laying in the drawer. Now no crowding.

 

[Montana]

I use old milk crates filled with straw. I put a scrap piece of 2X4 on the inside of the crate and screwed it in to the coup wall. Works like a charm. I have two boxes, but all my hens use the same box. I put a fake egg in the unused box to draw some of the hens in to the second box. No luck yet. I think their on to me.

 

[SproutGirl]

We use old kitchen drawers that we got from a place that salvages used building materials. I think we paid about a buck each for these nice, deep, wooden drawers. You can see a photo of one on the broody hen contest page.

If you don't have such a place as I mentioned nearby you, there may be a salvage yard, or a thrift store that is selling an inexpensive drawer set that isn't worth using as it is, but would make good nesting drawers. Yard sales. Freebies by the curb. Drawers abound!

 

[rnoyster]

I used 5 gallon buckets and they worked great! I put a couple of screws through the top of the bucket while is was laying on its side and then used my saw and cut the lid in half and notched each lid half so that it wasn't so high. Then just tapped the lid half onto the rim of the bucket to prevent the eggs from rolling out. A little hay in it and you have a next box that can be cleaned out by taking the half lid off and wiping it out!

 

[The Zoo]

I second the plastic cat litter tray - works like a charm. I fill it with pine shavings and the girls are happy as can be. I've even caught them both in there at one time snuggling and laying eggs together

 

[LVVCHAP]

If you like the plastic bucket idea (which is what I use) try the plastic buckets that have kitty litter in them. They are more rectangular in shape so when laid on there side the bottom of the nesting box is flat. I got some for free from a neighbor that has cats. Put some wood shavings in the bottom and enjoy. I don't have any pics but will to post some.

 

[melissaowens]

my aunt told me that when she was younger my grandpa would use old car rims with straw in it for their nests. i dont know how effective that is but i plan to try it. my girls dont want to lay in their nest i have for themright now. they have been laying eggs on the ground under the nests.

 

[chikenlady]

We have used milk crates, as well. In Florida, I think the girls appreciated the airflow!

 

[rainbowgardens]

I also use dishpans, with dividers between them for privacy.
Easy to clean!

 

[Chicken Fruit]

We use old kitchen drawers we found on the side of the road. We screwed the top to the coop wall and then cut a round out of the bottom. So its now a drawer on its side with a hole that makes a nesting box.

They love them.

They have to be at least 11 inches deep though, those old drawers or else the nesting box is too skinny to nest in.

Your transfer station, cragslist, tag sales, or salvation army will likely have an old dresser or some old cabinets for nothing or very little.